Factors for Implementing ISO 14001 Standards

ISO 14001 is a standard that guides organizations to run their businesses in coherence with certain environmental standards. While you decide the need of a consultant to help you attain an ISO 14001 Certification or provide training you need to keep some things in mind.

You need to answer the following questions:

• What is the aim of implementing ISO 14001 Certification?

• Is a consultant needed (which provides ISO 14001 Training) or you can rely on the in-house resources?

If your aim of implementation is not clear then the entire process may just involve bureaucratic procedures. The business and environment aspect will not be served in such a case. You need to use ISO 14001 as a management tool which guides you to manage environmental risks and opportunities. The effective and efficient functioning of any management tool is possible when you use it to make strategic decisions. But, most of the companies do not use the Certification as a decision making tool but, just as a projection that they are certified. These companies are in a hurry to obtain a certification without implementing it in the system. They are interested in maintaining the bureaucracy that will help to acquire the ISO 14001 Certification.

It is recommended that you take time to use the ISO 14001 standard as a management tool. It is necessary that the certification is used to integrate in the processes. You need to identify how environmental issues can be solved which are vital for the customers. When you invest in Environmental Management System you need to strategically plan and execute the process, without which it will be cost and not an investment.

One also has to determine the resources for the implementation and whether resources outside the system need to be approached. One needs to determine if the EMS has to be integrated with the existing quality management system.

You can also undergo ISO 14001 training to have a brief idea on the implementation process.

Sarita - About Author:Author is an ISO certification consultant and provides ISO certification, training and business consulting services which help in increasing efficiency and productivity of your business.